Japanese word

本気

Pronunciation

Romajihonki

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveserious

Example

私は本気です。watashi wa hon ki de su

I am serious.

Illustration for 本気 (serious)

More examples

試験に合格するため、彼は本気で勉強しています。shi ken ni gō kaku su ru ta me kare wa hon ki de ben kyō shi te i ma su

He is studying seriously to pass the exam.

Core concept

Expresses a genuine and determined attitude toward something, rather than a joking or casual one.

Common phrases

  • 本気を出すhon ki o da su

    get serious

  • 本気で頑張るhon ki de gan ba ru

    try one's best

  • 本気でやるhon ki de ya ru

    do it seriously

  • 本気で考えるhon ki de kanga e ru

    think seriously

  • 本気で勉強するhon ki de ben kyō su ru

    study seriously

Similar words

真剣shinken: Describes a focused and deeply serious attitude toward a matter or activity.
真面目majime: Describes a sincere and responsible attitude or way of working.

Definition in Japanese

冗談やその場限りの気持ちではなく、真剣に取り組む気持ちがあるさま。jō dan ya so no ba kagi ri no ki mo chi de wa na ku shin ken ni to ri ku mu ki mo chi ga a ru sa ma

Word origin

Combines 本 (hon, "true") and 気 (ki, "spirit"), giving the sense of a true inner attitude.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 本気 (honki) often appears in 本気で (honki de) before a verb to show that an action is done seriously.

Opposites

Related words

  • 本気度honkidolevel of seriousnessnoun
  • 本気さhonkisaseriousnessnoun

Word lists with this word